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Take a bar review course or courses.
Start studying for the bar six months to a year ahead of time. Using a planned schedule will allow you more flexibility in studying if you can't take much time off near the time of the test.
Take off work two to three months before the test, if you can afford the time.
Take off work at a minimum six weeks before the bar.
Stop working all jobs at least 6 weeks before the test-INCLUDING PART-TIME JOBS.

Use the backward planning to plan an effective study schedule. Start planning a week before you plan to take the bar and work backward to determine when you should start studying. Using this method will tell you exactly when to start studying. Allow for initial time frames to read and outline subjects.
WRITE DOWN YOUR SCHEDULE ON A CALENDAR. You should use a pencil in case you have to change your original study plan.
STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE-but if you're dead tired, don't study.
You must be flexible and disciplined in sticking to your schedule.
Always keep a book to study in case you find yourself waiting.
Set a goal to cover so many questions a day instead of focusing on the time. Although it is important to know how long it generally takes you to complete questions so that you can manage your time effectively, don't forget your overall objective is to cover material.
Get a small recorder and listen to the tapes you have made for studying.
Stick to your schedule but be flexible. Make it your goal to study a certain amount of time a week or to cover a certain amount of materials a week. If you miss some days because of a busy schedule, make it up by the end of the week. When you plan your schedule, allow for holidays and unexpected occurrences.
Realize that planning to study during the holidays is a lofty goal-which you might NOT meet. Instead of making it a goal to study, be flexible by not counting this time in your study schedule.
Divide your studying in half. EXAMPLE: Complete multistate questions and practice a certain number of essay questions a day.
Use the issue-spotting to identify issues for essay questions.

KNOW WHEN TO BREAK:

Taking a break from your studies is crucial. Study 15 to 20 minutes maximum at a time. Break five to 20 minutes, depending on how complex the subject is for you.

Learn more about this author, Geraldine Daniels.
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